Asbestos Located in Cape Breton Correctional Facility

The Department of Justice has discovered asbestos lining pipes of the Cape Breton Correctional Facility.

On the evening of May 15, nine correctional workers walked off the job after the facility's Occupational Health and Safety Committee was informed that some of the 33-year-old pipes contain asbestos. The work refusals began at 7 p.m.

This issue was first raised several months ago and a process was undertaken to determine if the facility contained asbestos. An inspection of the facility April 25 found the asbestos and the areas containing the material were labelled to protect maintenance staff from potential exposure. In addition, air-quality tests have been done. Staff are meeting with the Occupational Health and Safety Committee, however, preliminary test results indicate that levels are well within safe standards. Further testing is underway.

Management staff and the RCMP will provide emergency staffing at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility, if required, during the labour action and new inmates will be sent to the province's four other correctional institutions.